| Safe Haven Farms 5k Run/Walk On September 20, 2009 |
| Thursday, August 13, 2009 8:54:53 AM - Middletown Ohio |
Posted By: Randy Lewis
At 9:00 am on September 20, 2009 at Lakota West High School in West Chester, Safe Haven Farms, Inc. is sponsoring a 5K Walk/Run to raise funds for a 60-acre farm property they are purchasing in Madison Township.
24 adults with autism will eventually live and work on the farm. Homes will be constructed in two phases. During phase 1, four homes serving four residents each will be built, along with buildings for the day services. Construction for phase 1 is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2010. During phase 2, an additional two homes will be completed for the final eight residents. Phase 2 is expected to be completed by late 2011 or early 2012.
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.
Safe Haven Farms offers residential, day and community services for individuals on the autism spectrum. It provides a variety of meaningful living, working, learning and leisure activities in a safe and accepting farm environment, where every individual is respected as a valued and contributing community member.
Safe Haven Farms, Inc. was founded by a group of parents with young adult children with autism, in response to the lack of residential and vocational services for persons with autism.
Beyond the immediate project goals, the organization plans to educate and train future professionals and direct care staff about autism. Toward that end, local universities have been contacted to promote opportunities for students with an interest in autism seeking a meaningful work/study experience.
Board of Directors member Suzanne O’Brien told MiddletownUSA.com that everyone at Safe Haven Farms has put a lot of work into the purchasing of the farm in Madison Township, which they hope will take place later this month or early next month.
To learn more about Safe Havens Farms You can visit their web site at Safe Havens Farms
If you are interested in taking part in the 5k walk/run you can view the registration form below along with other information about the event and the organization.
Safe Haven Farm’s Race Application
Safe Haven Farm’s Contribution Letter
Safe Haven Farm’s Poster
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